A BURDEN has been lifted from the shoulders of all taxi operators.

This is what president of the Bridgetown Taxi Association, Phillip Garner, said about the concessions to be given taxi drivers as announced by Prime Minister David Thompson in his Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals yesterday.

Thompson revealed that for taxi operators, the duty-free concessions would now be offered to both gasoline and diesel vehicles with immediate effect; previously, it was restricted to diesel.

Those operators who purchase equipment to assist the disabled will also attract the concessions.

"It's the best thing he could have done. Anytime you see a prime minister listening to an ordinary person and take it to Parliament, he's going to be around for a long time," Garner said.

He said taxi operators were depending on the concession because it gave more options.

"Most of the cars come from Japan. They don't provide diesel in the Toyota. This hampers the taxi drivers. Now you are getting duty-free concession for both gas and diesel."

Also granted

The taxi operators' request for duty-free concessions on lifts for cars for the disabled has also been granted.

Garner said he and four operators from the seaport, airport, and the Accra Beach stands had a meeting prior to seeing the Prime Minister.

"We are very happy. I feel great today," he said.

Garner has 72 members in his association.

"Some members have been calling me already," he said cheerfully. (KB)